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New Products
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Passivation CoatingEPO-TEKR T3084-A2 offers a passivation coating material for memory chips and other devices that provide mechanical and environmental protection. The material is said to offer a unique combination of high Tg with low modulus, which yields a low stress coating and a flat wafer. The coating reportedly has shown to increase yields as much as 15 percent over spin-etch in tests conducted by a leading fabricator. Additionally, the coating has been formulated to optimize high-definition print resolution with a minimal post-point flow. Epoxy Technology Inc., Billerica, Mass.
Upgrade OptionThe new low-dose|mode option upgrades X-ray inspection systems by allowing them to have the ability to block unnecessary radiation exposure during movement and manipulation of parts and boards under test. It reportedly eliminates the time-consuming powering down and resetting of the X-ray source that systems without this option are required to do to meet the lower radiation requirements. This capability is important for those components and boards that are used in hi-rel applications. This option is said to provide an aperture that completely blocks the X-rays, allowing the system and operator to move the component or board to the next area of interest and then open for inspection. phoenix|x-ray Systems + Services Inc., Camarillo, Calif.
Probe CardSpeedTip RF probe card accommodates RF test rates from 1.2 to 2.5 Gbps on 2 to 16 RF lines. Features that contribute to this performance include a total probe length of 0.250" and a metal ring that extends the ground plane over all probes, thereby maintaining the environment while proving better isolation. Reportedly, the card's design objective is to produce a cantilever-based probe card that could approach the performance of higher-end RF probes and probe cards while providing a more cost-effective alternative. Kulicke & Soffa, Willow Grove, Pa.
Aluminum Electrolytic CapacitorsA series of surface mount aluminum electrolytic capacitors, TYPE MXZZ features low impedance and high ripple current at 100 KHz. The low-profile, small-footprint components reportedly replace large case tantalum capaci-tors in DC-DC converter, DC-AC inverter and switch applications. The series is said to be an ideal solution for board designs in which both height and space are limited. The series comprises capacitors in eight case sizes, including 4.0 x 6.3 mm, 5.0 x 6.3 mm, 6.3 x 6.3 mm, 6.3 x 8.0 mm, 8.0 x 10.5 mm, 10.0 x 8.0 mm, 10.0 x 10.5 mm and 12.5 x 14.0 mm. Tecate Industries Inc., Poway, Calif.
CLEANING MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT
Ultrasonic Stencil CleanerA manual ultrasonic stencil cleaning machine accommodating stencils up to 29 x 29", AQS-3500 uses integral sweep and pulse ultrasonic generation for optimal cleaning performance. The cleaner reportedly is equipped with an ergonomically designed control panel that uses electromechanical switches and digital timers to control the machine functions. Uniform cleaning power also is provided throughout the entire tank by a matrix of 28 piezoelectric transducers. JNJ Industries Inc., Franklin, Mass.
Drying ModuleTurboJet Dynamic Drying Module is a standalone SMEMA-compatible module that can be integrated into a production line, operating in conjunction with any type of in-line cleaner. Using a patented drying technology that physically removes water quickly and completely from even the most dense and complex electronics assemblies, the system's high-process efficiency is said to result in significant cost savings and higher throughput from the user's existing cleaners. Energy consumption reportedly is minimal and products are ready immediately for electrical test. The module is available in three drying models (Mach I, II and III), offering three different drying speeds. Austin American Technology Corp., Austin, Texas.
Tank WashersAA190 and AA290 Series of motor-driven tank washers are said to produce high-impact solid stream sprays for maximum surface cleaning. The AA190 series reportedly is ideal for cleaning medium-to-large tanks up to 34' (10.4 m) in diameter. Available with a variable speed air, electric or explosion-proof motor, the tank washer's spray head fits through a 3.75" (95 mm) diameter tank opening. The AA290 series holds a larger capacity and effectively cleans tanks up to 40' (12.2 m) in diameter. It can be customized to meet specific application requirements (e.g., flow rates can be changed through nozzle selection by adjusting liquid inlet pressure or by changing motor speed to regulate the speed of the turret). Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton, Ill.
Stencil Cleaning FabricDuPont Sontara cleanmaster stencil cleaning fabric is designed for use on underscreen cleaning rolls that remove paste, adhesives and other particulates that can cause bridging or gasketing in fine-pitch assemblies. The fabric is said to be engineered strong, making it resistant to tearing, wet or dry. DuPont Nonwovens, Old Hickory, Tenn.
DISPENSING EQUIPMENT
Dispensing SystemAxiom X-1020 mid-range in-line dispensing system is for semiconductor package and PCB assembly. The system uses a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a new serial bus architecture of distributed processors. A processor mounted directly on the dispense head reportedly controls the valve, needle heater, height sensor, lighting and associated I/O. A second controller is said to manage all conveyor-related functions including the width and belt motors, substrate heaters, all conveyor sensors, and pneumatic actuators, as well as the SMEMA interface. Applications include flip chip and CSP underfill, dam-and-fill, solder paste, thermal compounds, and more. Asymtek, Carlsbad, Calif.
Dispensing NeedlesDispensing needles are available in a broad range of size and gauges to fit almost any application, including solder mask, solder paste, epoxies and adhesives, solvents, greases, and other various fluid materials. Standard needles are disposable, made of metal canula with plastic hubs and range from 14 to 30 gauge. For "scratch-free" dispensing, a selection of plastic taper tip needles is offered in sizes up to 22 gauge. A line of all metal reusable needles, available from 5 to 30 gauge, reportedly holds up well to reactive materials and solvents. Finally, for UV adhesives that can break down when exposed to certain lighting, a UV stabilizer is added to tapered needles so the glue will not cure when exposed to fluorescent lighting. PVA, Halfmoon, N.Y.
PumpTS8000 dual piston positive displacement (DPPD) pump is a true volumetric pump that incorporates a patented reciprocating dual piston feature. A closed loop encoder is said to help control accurate and precise dispensing. The dual piston/cylinder sets reportedly are integrated into a single drive system to eliminate refill dead time by refilling one of the piston/cylinder sets while its twin is dispensing. When the first piston/cylinder set is depleted, the system immediately switches to the other piston cylinder set, which begins dispensing while the first set refills. Techcon Systems, Garden Grove, Calif.
Z-axis ControllerModel Z620 controller is designed for dispensing applications requiring a simple automatic Z-axis motion for repetitive filling or potting. The Z-axis is said to dispense a liquid to a controlled height with consistency. The unit can be integrated into an automated line or conveyor-fed station. This controller reportedly is connected to a dispenser, model DSP501A, which controls dispense time and air pressure. The pneumatic Z-axis is adjustable and secured to a given height along a vertical stainless steel rod. The system also can be angled for controlled dispensing. Stroke adjustment is from 0.20 to 2.00", and holders are available for valves, syringes and cartridge retainers. I&J Fisnar Inc., Fair Lawn, N.J.
SOLDERING EQUIPMENT
Convection OvenX-600 Phase Convection soldering system is said to feature a hermetically sealed loading system by which boards are loaded into one of four levels of phase convection. Each level has three phase units, each with its own conveyor where boards are heated while remaining static, which is said to improve temperature uniformity. Each phase unit has a recirculating convection system in which the temperature is regulated by a pyrometer that measures the board's exact temperature, not the surrounding air. These high-precision measurements reportedly can be monitored by an on-system SPC data collection tool. Once cooled, the board is transported onto the upstream conveyor by an identical unloading system. ViTechnology LLC, Haverhill, Mass.
Soldering StationFUTURE MODULE Model FM-202 soldering station is said to feature a unique cartridge and soft grip design that allows cartridges with different tips and removable ergonomic grips to be replaced. Soldering tip temperature is controlled via the company's process gate system. American Hakko Products Inc., Valencia, Calif.
OvensSMT 1.7TC ovens feature a patented slot-nozzle system and high-capacity fans. The slot nozzles are installed perpendicular to the conveyor at the top and bottom of the oven's peak zone and are said to act like a curtain of hot air that the boards must pass through. After heat is transferred to the board, the air is sucked back into channels beside the slot nozzles for reheating. This ensures that the distance the air has to travel is short; thus, little heat is lost. This short travel distance also reportedly allows for a fan capacity of 1,600 m2/hour per fan. Manncorp, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
In-line Reflow/Curing OvenVacuum in-line reflow/curing oven reportedly is a substitute for vacuum batch reflow ovens. The vacuum capability was implemented based on an existing tunnel oven design with multiple hot plates in a row. Moving up or down on the optional vacuum hood over the last hot plate reportedly pulls out the voids from liquid solder. In total, there are seven individually temperature-controlled hot plates with three water-cooled plates. An endless chain with pusher bars on it, one for each plate, is said to move wafers or high-mass substrates from one plate to the other within one minute. ATV Technologie GmbH, Feldkirchen, Germany.
SOLDERING MATERIALS
SpheresEcóspheres are for use in BGA and CSP applications, and are produced using the company's patented process and specially formulated solder paste. The spheres are formed between 0.006 and 0.030" in diameter within tightly controlled tolerances. The spheres also are available in lead-free configurations. Mask Technology Inc., Santa Ana, Calif.
Solder PasteNC-SMQ81 Sn-Bi-Ag alloy solder paste is a no-clean, halide-free solder paste designed for thermally sensitive assembly processes using the eutectic Sn-Bi-Ag alloy. The paste is a moderate residue, air reflow product that is said to feature exceptional wetting capabilities, ensuring high yields in soldering. The solder paste reportedly is made from low-oxide, spherical powder composed of Sn-Bi-Ag and other low-temperature alloys. A standard mesh size of -325/500 is available, and nonstandard mesh sizes including -400/635 can be supplied upon request. Indium Corp. of America, Utica, N.Y.
Paste FluxFluxPlus tacky paste flux is said to provide an alternative to messy liquid fluxes in SMT assembly processes, repair and rework procedures, BGA and sphere attachment operations, and solder bumping applications. Two versions are available: one for dispensing and one for printing. Both reportedly provide fluxing action, strong resistance to slump, easy application, and the tack strength needed to hold components or BGA solder spheres in position. Each version is available in RMA, water soluble and no-clean. EFD Inc., Lincoln, R.I.
In-line Fluxing SystemOpti-Flux II spray fluxing system features automated, in-line selective fluxing, allowing the operator to flux selected areas of the board or pallet fixture. The system is said to identify the board type by the bar code automatically, which is associated with a recipe previously entered into the menu by the operator. Setup reportedly is programmed easily through PC-based software. The spray uses a solid, vibrating, titanium surface rather than a nozzle to atomize the flux. Ultrasonic Systems Inc., Amesbury, Mass.
TEST EQUIPMENT
Test ToolsTwo full-color ScopeMeter test tools have been added to the company's ScopeMeter 190 series hand-held oscilloscope product line. The 196C and 199C are said to provide full-color display capabilities on larger screens, faster display update rates and additional capabilities. In addition to enhancing the ability to retrieve information buried in waveform displays, the tools use color for warnings and other on-screen labels, reportedly making it easier to distinguish them and link information to specific waveforms. Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash.
RF Test SocketsRF test sockets feature spring-loaded lids that are said to provide more consistent lead pressure on every socket. Precise pressure requirements reportedly can be met with mix-and-match springs from 0.5 to more than 25 lb, and each socket comes with a floating leadbacker built into every lid. Applications include RF/microwave, automated handling and burn-in/life testing. Aries Electronics, Frenchtown, N.J.
ICT SystemZ1888 Elite full-function, low-cost in-circuit test system is designed to combine reliability, and lower the cost of ownership and performance with improvements to accelerate test times, reduce overall test costs and improve product quality. The system reportedly includes rapid program turn-on, a Windows operating system and lower cost of ownership. Additionally, it is targeted for use in short-cycle-time board manufacturing processes. Teradyne Inc., North Reading, Mass.